Members of a teachers’ union have warned of a possible vote on strike action after their members in Wales rejected a below-inflation pay rise.
Last month it was announced that teachers’ salaries will increase by 5% in September.
NASUWT surveyed its members in Wales and said that 78% think wage allocation is “unreasonable”.
Inflation, the rate at which prices are increasing, is currently 9.4% and is expected to reach 13% in October.
There are 26,600 teachers in Wales with an average salary of £39,009.
In July, Education Secretary Jeremy Miles accepted recommendations from an independent payroll review body that wages should rise by 5%.
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This brings starting salaries for new teachers to £28,866, while more experienced class teachers rise to £44,450.
But NASUWT, a TUC-affiliated union representing teachers and school leaders in the UK, was demanding 12% for 2022/23 and has threatened to vote to strike in the autumn if there is no further increase.
Of the nearly 700 teachers who responded to its survey, the union also said that 70% disagreed or were upset with the Welsh Government’s offer.
“The salary offer from the Welsh Government falls far short of teachers’ demands after a decade of real pay cuts and the current cost of living crisis,” said Neil Butler, NASUWT representative in Wales.
“This salary offer narrows the teacher salary gap to 22.4% since 2010.
“Nasuwt members have again informed us that they oppose the introduction of a sub-inflation wage premium.”
Salaries could rise 3.5% in year two, subject to review.
dr Patrick Roach, Secretary General of NASUWT, added: “Ministers have refused to respond to our calls for proper negotiations and we again urge ministers to come together to find a solution.
“Failing improvement, the union remains committed to electing its members to industrial action in the fall elections.”
Mr Miles previously said he was limited on how far he could go in raising wages and criticized the UK Government’s funding scheme for Wales.
A similar pay – 5% for most teachers – was offered in England.
In an earlier response to the Welsh Government’s criticism, the UK Government said the Welsh Government has more resources than ever since decentralization began.
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